In a bold move to bridge financial gaps and enhance community spaces, Omaha’s leadership is spearheading efforts to revitalize the city’s park system. With the city facing an annual shortfall of $5 million in both operating expenses and capital investments compared to similar cities, this initiative comes at a crucial time.
Mayor John Ewing revealed in March a significant $5 million investment from unnamed philanthropic sources aimed at closing this gap. Describing it as a public-private partnership, Ewing emphasized its “transformational potential” to transcend mere maintenance funding.
While private funding in public projects can often stir apprehension, Omaha is exploring this path with caution and optimism.
In April, the Omaha City Council sanctioned a five-year partnership with the Miller Park Trust. This agreement, focused on the upkeep and enhancement of Miller Park in North Omaha, is backed by the Lozier Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported the park’s amenities for nearly a decade.
The introduction of this partnership in late 2025 prompted former State Sen. Justin Wayne to express concerns online, labeling it a “quid pro quo” potentially detrimental to North Omaha residents. “So we’re really doing this? A $40 million check gets you your own ‘public park’ in a private trust?” Wayne questioned on Facebook.
Addressing these concerns, Ewing and City Council members assured that the city retains ownership of the park and can terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice.
Public hesitancy toward philanthropic contributions often stems from misunderstandings, noted Jensen. “If you’re concerned about that side of things, I guess I would take a look at the usage of the parks, and I think you can see that the public is really benefiting from it and enjoying the parks,” Jensen remarked. “If the goal is to provide opportunities for free to the public, this is a great example of what can be accomplished with that public-private partnership.”
Looking Forward
Omaha is home to over 250 parks, encompassing 10,000 acres of green space and 130 miles of trails. Each year, the Trust for Public Land assesses park systems in the 100 largest U.S. cities, giving Omaha a 2025 “ParkScore” of 40 out of 100.
Nationally, parks in low-income areas are fourfold smaller and serve four times more people per acre than those in affluent neighborhoods. In Omaha, low-income residents have 16% less park space per person compared to the city average, and 27% less than high-income neighborhoods.
Morrison emphasized the community value of parks, stating they are essential for economic, mental, and physical well-being. As Omaha charts the future of its parks, two key strategies will be employed.
The city plans to hire an external firm to conduct an in-depth analysis of each park, with a renewed emphasis on facilities like pools and infrastructure. The insights gained will steer multimillion-dollar investments.
“(Parks) are a way that we can bring communities together in public spaces, despite the technology that has really separated us,” Morrison noted. “These are gathering places that we can protect and maintain.”
